Assessment of Variability in Stem Girth, Leaf Area, Leaf Thickness, Chlorophyll Content, and Their Correlation in Mango Hybrids

Abstract

The present study investigates the variability in stem girth, leaf area, chlorophyll content (total chlorophyll) and thickness of leaf in mango (Mangifera indica L.) hybrids derived from crosses involving two female parents Ratna and Kesar and five male cultivars: Totapuri (TP), Royal Special (RS), Kent (KN), Banganpalli (BP) and Tommy Atkins (TA). Significant genotypic differences were observed for all the traits evaluated. The hybrid from KS x BP showed maximum median value (35 cm) for stem girth followed by RT x KN and KS x RS (33 cm). For leaf area, hybrids from KS xTA (126.28 cm²) recorded maximum median value of leaf area, while maximum leaf area was recorded in hybrids derived from RT x TP (220.27 cm²). Hybrids KS x KN, RT x KN and KS x TP have median chlorophyll concentrations of 2.32, 2.28 and 2.27 mg/g, respectively. In RT hybrids, the highest median leaf thickness (0.37 mm) was observed in RT x BP which is same as KS hybrids, KS x TP (0.37 mm). Kesar based hybrids generally outperformed for most of the parameters studied. The studies show a strong maternal influence on the hybrids. Further the leaf area appears to be positively and significantly correlated with the girth of the stem. Total chlorophyll and leaf thickness are also positively and significantly correlated, suggesting a positive association for each other. The study highlights the potential of integrating physiological traits like stem girth, leaf area, chlorophyll content and leaf thickness as early selection markers in mango breeding programs. These findings offer a basis for identifying parents and hybrids with enhanced vegetative vigor, with implications for genetic improvement and sustainable mango cultivation.